WindowStill Spotlight: Taylor Ziemer
This week under the WindowStill Spotlight, we have Taylor Ziemer!
She’s one of our awesome photographers in Grand Rapids but she serves areas all over Michigan, like Ludington and Lansing. Here’s what she had to say…
How long have you been working with photography and what made you interested in it?
I’ve loved taking photos since I was a kid!
While it was a hobby of mine since I was young, I never imagined I would end up making a career out of taking pictures of houses. It wasn’t even until June of 2019 that I got my first “real” camera, after shadowing Brad for a while. After learning the ropes I became hooked!
What brought you to WindowStill?
Brad, or as I like to call him, “Bossman,” is actually my brother-in-law, so I’ve had the privilege of watching WindowStill blossom into what it is today. I’ve been around since WindowStill was just Brad and Bernadette!
A lot of people don’t think about this but working for family actually adds a whole new layer of pressure. I want to create a great reputation for myself with the realtors I work with while helping Brad maintain the image for WindowStill that he’s worked so hard for.
I love working with WindowStill though, and I love the ability to make my own schedule!
What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not working with WindowStill?
I spend a lot of my free time hanging out with my dog, Bart, at home.
My husband and I also have a Chevy Chevelle that we love to take to car shows in the summer! We also spend some time in the summer participating in WWII re-enactments.
We love to travel so we try to go on vacation with our families as much as possible. Some of my favorite places to go are Punta Cana, The Dominican Republic, Yellowstone, and Gatlinburg, TN!
What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer?
Learn everything that you can about all different kinds of photography. I’ve found that knowing a little bit about everything helps you understand your camera better, making it easier to adjust to circumstances that may not be ideal.
Almost every kind of photography requires human interaction, so learning how to be respectful but assertive will make your job much easier.
What do you feel is the most important quality of a photographer?
I think the most important quality of a photographer is patience. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, people, or houses, it’s important to be patient with yourself and others.
Sometimes you have to wait for an animal to get into the right position or for kids to look in the right direction. Patience is essential for dealing with these circumstances.
Social skills help as a photographer as well. Being able to make conversation with the people you’re shooting for and have a sense of humor will make a photographer stand out!